DC, who hadn’t tasted victory against CSK at Chepauk in 15 years, were able to utterly dominate them

Alagappan Muthu05-Apr-20252:08

Jaffer: Rahul’s takedown of Noor was the key for DC

Chennai Super Kings are starting to lose control of their fortress. For the second time this season, a visiting team that hadn’t tasted victory against them at Chepauk in 15 years was able to utterly dominate them. This resulted in the strangest situation. The crowd here bays for MS Dhoni to come out and bat. They cheer their own team’s wickets in anticipation of his arrival. Well, on Saturday, he was there in the 11th over, but there was only silence.Rahul anchors DCIn the absence of Faf du Plessis, who was not quite fit to play, KL Rahul opened the batting. He needed a little time to get used to the pace of a pitch that was very dry and therefore prevented the ball from coming into the bat. He was 25 off his first 20 balls.Rahul found release through Noor Ahmad. He took IPL 2025’s highest wicket-taker for 20 off 9 but this wasn’t crash, bang, wallop. The bowler missed his mark a couple of times and the batter was confident enough in both his ability and his method to take full toll.Noor strayed too full once and Rahul hit the half-volley for four. He pulled his length back once, but offered room to free the arms and Rahul swept him hard for six. Sometimes against spinners who are hard to pick out of the hand, the horizontal bat shots work so long as you pick the length.This was how from 25 off 20 balls, Rahul hit 36 off 18, which included a reverse scoop off Mukesh Choudhary, the only bowler he actually targeted. Mukesh conceded 40% of the boundaries that DC hit.CSK batting unravelsEven towards the end of Rahul’s innings, it was apparent that hitting out was becoming difficult. He only scored 16 off his last 13 balls. DC understood that. Mukesh Kumar got one to stick in the surface and drew a leading edge from Rachin Ravindra. Ruturaj Gaikwad timed the pants off a Mitchell Starc short ball but didn’t quite place it well enough. He threw his head back as soon as Jake Fraser-McGurk took the catch at deep backward square leg. CSK were 20 for 2 in the third over. It had been six years since they’ve been able to chase a total over 180 in the IPL. This was not the start they wanted.KL Rahul got a boundary with a reverse-scoop•Associated PressVijay’s tortured fiftyVijay Shankar had only one boundary from his first 31 deliveries. In that time, he could’ve been dismissed lbw or run-out. He survived both calls and tried as hard as he could to make the most of them, but it just wouldn’t come off. DC were so good in denying him the freedom of his arms. The pitch being slow as well didn’t let him get away with the connections that he made. More than once, he grimaced through an innings that brought him 69 runs in 54 balls. DC attempted to find the boundary off 37 balls and succeeded 21 times. CSK actually went harder – they hit out against 38 balls but were only successful 12 times. DC’s bowlers harnessed a slow, turning pitch beautifully. They out CSK-ed CSK. Winning the toss and batting first helped.Dhoni timeIn the last match, Stephen Fleming said Dhoni cannot bat for a long time and therefore they ration his appearances. That’s why he batted at No. 9 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru because there was no point in him coming any earlier.MS Dhoni hit one four and one six in his 26-ball knock•AFP/Getty ImagesThis time they had no choice. Half the side was in the hut with only 10.4 overs on the board. Kuldeep Yadav had delivered a killer googly to Ravindra Jadeja. The batter did not read it. He wasn’t even allowed the chance to pick it off the pitch. The length was so perfect, bringing him forward and then turning the wrong way to hit his pad instead of his flailing blade.That brought Dhoni to the crease. He’s won World Cups before. But this might have been the first time he was batting in front of his parents. They were at the ground, to watch him score 30 off 26 and his team lose by 25 runs. It was a difficult evening for CSK fans. Their chances of winning, according to ESPNcricinfo’s Forecaster, was down at 9.51% even before the chase was halfway through. Jadeja is yet to bowl his full quota of overs in four matches. Ashwin has done so only twice. CSK have hit the fewest sixes in IPL 2025. Their middle order (4-7) is struggling badly, averaging 21.76 (third-lowest in the tournament) and striking at 116.94 (lowest).

نجح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي في التقدم بالهدف الأول أمام إيجل نوار البوروندي، خلال المباراة التي تجمع بين الفريقين حاليًا، في ذهاب دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا لموسم 2025-2026.

وجاء الهدف في الدقيقة 36 من زمن الشوط الأول، بعد هجمة منظمة من الجبهة اليمنى، بدأت بتبادل تمريرات بين محمد علي بن رمضان ومحمد هاني، قبل أن يرسل الأخير كرة عرضية أرضية اصطدمت بمدافع الفريق البوروندي ودخلت الشباك، لتمنح الأهلي التقدم في النتيجة.

طالع أيضًا | لاعب إيجل نوار يعترف لـ “بطولات”: أشعر بالخوف وسأحقق حلمي أمام الأهلي

ويخوض الأهلي اللقاء في بوروندي ضمن مرحلة الذهاب، على أن تُقام مباراة الإياب يوم 25 أكتوبر الجاري على ستاد القاهرة الدولي.

وكان الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم (كاف) قد أعفى الأهلي من خوض الدور التمهيدي الأول (دور الـ64) بفضل تصدره تصنيف الأندية الإفريقية، فيما تأهل فريق إيجل نوار إلى هذا الدور بعد تخطيه أساس تيليكوم الجيبوتي، بالتعادل السلبي ذهابًا والإيجابي (1-1) إيابًا، ليتأهل بأفضلية التسجيل خارج الديار. هدف الأهلي الأول أمام إيجل نوار بدوري أبطال إفريقيا

Derby County are in the hunt for a winger before the transfer deadline and John Eustace may be about to get his wish with so little time remaining in the window.

Derby County drop points late on at Ipswich Town

Despite a valiant effort from the Rams, Jack Clarke struck 16 minutes into injury time from the spot as Derby had to settle for a share of the spoils in an enthralling encounter at Portman Road.

Reviewing events, Eustace praised his side for their spirited display against a side who were only recently relegated from the top-flight, albeit he was frustrated with the end result.

He told BBC Sport: “Really, really disappointed to concede [the equaliser]. I think that’s a world record amount of time ever added to any game. I’ve never seen that amount of minutes before.

“The lads battled, worked their socks off and we deserved the three points. What an effort that was from a group of players who are going to grow throughout the season. I think there some really good signs for where we want to get to and I was really proud of the effort.”

Reports suggest Derby are in with a fighting chance of signing Ben Brereton Diaz from Southampton, which would help Eustace to realise his ambition of laying claim to another wide option before the window closes.

Chesterfield Town attacker Armando Dobra is also a target for the Rams, meaning there are plenty of plates spinning with the deadline drawing closer at Pride Park.

With that in mind, Eustace and his men are ready to offer a contract to an experienced winger who could be the key to unlocking defences in the Championship.

Derby County ready to offer contract to Patrick Roberts

According to Alan Nixon via his Patreon, relayed by Football League World, Derby are set to offer a three-year contract to Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts, who could fulfill Eustace’s wish to land a winger before the window closes.

Earning a solitary Premier League appearance against Burnley, the former Celtic loanee has also featured against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup and may now be available due to experiencing limited minutes.

Derby County make 8-figure bid to sign international at the top of his game

This is their third bid for the player.

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Callum Kemp

Aug 21, 2025

Labelled “dynamic” by Regis Le Bris, Roberts created 65 chances in the Championship last term and played a major role in the Black Cats’ promotion from the second-tier, albeit he has fallen victim to their summer spending spree.

Derby could now look to capitalise on his availability, though it remains to be seen if other clubs come calling for the £12,500 per week earner over the coming hours.

Eustace has had a positive impact since arriving at Pride Park that will be a tempting draw for players, something that may play on Roberts’ mind when it comes to picking his next career challenge.

Manchester United are now racing Barcelona and Real Madrid for the signature of a “total footballer”, who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.

Man Utd eyeing midfielder amid Mainoo uncertainty

There are now doubts over Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford, with it recently being revealed the young Englishman is pressuring INEOS to sell him to Real Madrid in January, viewing the Santiago Bernabéu as a dream destination.

Mainoo has been unable to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, having made just two appearances in the Premier League so far this season, both of which coming as a substitute.

It is perhaps no surprise the 20-year-old is looking to leave his boyhood club, given that receiving regular game time will be crucial to his chances of going to the 2026 World Cup, having been omitted from the most recent England squad.

Related "Massive fan" – Gerrard has named Man Utd legend among his "favourite players"

Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star.

Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025

With the youngster’s future up in the air, the Red Devils are looking to sign a new midfielder, identifying Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba as a target, and they are expected to hold a meeting with the 21-year-old.

Baleba is not the only young central midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a report from Caught Offside revealing that Man United have now joined the race for Ajax maestro Jorthy Mokio, who is attracting growing interest from across Europe.

The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping a close eye on Mokio, who is capable of playing in both defensive midfield and at centre-back, with the 17-year-old’s versatility deemed to be one of his key strengths.

Ajax are eager to keep hold of the teenager, whose contract doesn’t expire until 2027, but a bid in the region of €30m (£26m) could make the Dutch club reconsider their stance.

"Total footballer" Mokio is one for the future

The Gent-born midfielder/defender has already established himself as a first-team regular for Ajax, which is an encouraging sign, making 22 appearances for the Eredivisie side, and scout Ben Mattinson believes he is a very talented youngster.

Mattinson also adds: “Mokio on the ball is exceptional. Sprays passes effortlessly and plays through the press like a quality midfielder.”

The Ajax starlet’s defensive ability has been on display regularly over the course of the past year, while also proving himself as an impressive dribbler of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Blocks

2.82 (99th percentile)

Clearances

2.35 (84th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.25 (94th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.03 (92nd percentile)

With Baleba expected to cost over £100m, it would make sense for Man United to target a low-cost alternative, and Mokio’s potential availability for around £26m makes him an attractive option.

Combine that price tag with his ability to play at centre-back too, notably hailed as “one of the most talented teenage CBs in world football” by scout Jacek Kulig, this is certainly a saga to keep an eye on.

Nico Schlotterbeck has been hailed as Borussia Dortmund's version of Thomas Muller, with Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus tipping the German centre-back for a talismanic role in their bid to challenge for the Bundesliga title. Schlotterbeck’s return from injury has already stabilised the defence, and Dortmund’s bright start to the season suggests they are building a strong platform around their emerging leader.

• Schlotterbeck – Dortmund’s key defensive leader

  Dortmund’s recent performances have highlighted the importance of having strong, consistent figures at the back, and Schlotterbeck has emerged as a vital component. The German centre-back has recovered from a serious meniscus injury sustained in April, returning to full 90-minute action in their last two Bundesliga games. As Matthaus writes in his latest column in “Schlotterbeck is to BVB what Thomas Muller was to Bayern. He's a player with a strong mentality that Dortmund needs in the future and wants to extend his contract. The German national team defender brings the necessary attitude and quality and is simply a role model for the team. I'm not surprised that he's coming back and performing immediately.”

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• AFP
  

  Matthaus’ endorsement for German star

  The praise from the Bayern great underscores the strategic importance of retaining Schlotterbeck. By likening him to Muller, Matthaus emphasises Schlotterbeck’s ability to influence games beyond pure defensive metrics. Matthaus further contextualises Dortmund’s challenge against Bayern in Bundesliga, noting: “Ultimately, of course, it's largely up to Bayern themselves to decide who will win the German championship. If Munich continues to play like this, things will be very difficult for Dortmund, even though they're performing just as well as the German record champions in their own way.”

• Dortmund’s defensive stability key to bright start under Kovac

  Niko Kovac's team have kept clean sheets in both Bundesliga games since Schlotterbeck returned to the starting XI, reflecting both his individual quality and the structure he brings to the backline. His high tackling success rate and ability to win possession under pressure make him a defensive anchor. The 25-year-old has previously played a key role in the club’s Champions League campaigns, including reaching the final alongside Mats Hummels. Dortmund remain unbeaten in 13 competitive matches this season, and Schlotterbeck’s presence is central to their ambition to compete with Bayern for the Bundesliga title and maintain European credibility.

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• Getty Images
  

  Role for Germany and upcoming Dortmund challenges

  Schlotterbeck’s form at Dortmund has placed him in contention for a starting role with the German national team, especially with aging or regressing defenders like Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger. Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that Schlotterbeck will feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Retaining Schlotterbeck ensures continuity and leadership for both club and country, reinforcing Dortmund’s defensive backbone ahead of major international competitions.

  Dortmund are set to host Athletic Club following a dramatic 4-4 draw against Juventus in the Champions League, showcasing both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. Maintaining Schlotterbeck in the squad will be key to weathering challenging fixtures in Europe and domestically. Dortmund also face more group-stage matches, including encounters with Copenhagen, Manchester City, Villarreal, Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham, and Inter Milan. With Bayern leading the Bundesliga by two points, Dortmund’s ability to keep their defensive core intact, led by Schlotterbeck, could prove crucial in challenging for the title while pursuing deep European runs.

Livingstone fifty, and cameos from Jitesh and David, took hosts from 42 for 4 to 169, but it wasn’t enough

Ashish Pant02-Apr-20251:30

‘A bit more fire in the belly for Siraj after Champions Trophy snub’

Mohammed Siraj’s fiery 3 for 19 against his former team, backed up by Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 73 off 39 balls, helped Gujarat Titans (GT) spoil Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s homecoming and coast to an eight-wicket victory at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.Playing against RCB for the first time after seven years with them, Siraj returned to Bengaluru with a point to prove. Bowling at speeds in excess of 140kph, he rattled the batters in the powerplay and also picked up a key wicket in the death overs. Despite Siraj’s efforts, RCB notched up 169 for 8, riding largely on Liam Livingstone’s fifty and cameos from Jitesh Sharma and Tim David.With the ball, Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were on the mark in the powerplay for RCB. But as the ball got older, the bowling also fizzled away. While Shubman Gill fell cheaply, Sai Sudharsan and Buttler added 75 off just 47 balls to give the chase impetus. Sherfane Rutherford then came in as Impact Sub and added an unbroken 63 off 32 balls with Buttler, as GT romped home with 13 balls to spare.This was GT’s second win in three games, while RCB’s loss was their first of IPL 2025 after two stellar wins.Siraj magic in Bengaluru against BengaluruSiraj has done his celebration several times at the Chinnaswamy in the last seven years. Most times, it has been met with a roaring response. On Wednesday, he went on his celebratory run twice in the powerplay to pin-drop silence. Having not been retained by RCB ahead of the auction, Siraj, now playing for GT, had matters to settle. And he did it in style.It was his spell in the powerplay that stood out. Operating at mid-140kph, Siraj was not just bowling heat but was also precise with his lengths. According to ESPNcricinfo’s data, of the 18 balls Siraj bowled in the powerplay, six of his deliveries landed on a length, off which he picked up two wickets. More importantly, eight of his deliveries finished in line with the stumps, which meant he barely gave the batters any room to work with. RCB managed a control percentage of just 50 against Siraj in the powerplay.1:55

Chopra: ‘Zip is missing for Rashid’

Siraj should have had Phil Salt in his opening over, but Buttler dropped a sitter behind the stumps. Soon after, Siraj had the zing bails flashing when Devdutt Padikkal waltzed down the track, missed, and saw his stumps in a mess. Salt thumped Siraj for a 105m six over midwicket in his next over, to which Siraj responded by flattening Salt’s off stump with a 145.9kph thunderbolt.Siraj later returned and picked up the key wicket of Livingstone in the 19th over to finish with 3 for 19, sending down 14 dots in his four overs.Livingstone, Jitesh and David lift RCBAt 42 for 4 after 6.2 overs, RCB were in big trouble. Rajat Patidar had just fallen to Ishant Sharma, and the Chinnaswamy was silent. But Jitesh made his intentions clear quite early. He got going with a stylish pull off Ishant before going big. He first brought his wrists into play to loft Ishant over long-on, and dispatched him for two more fours as RCB collected 17 runs off the ninth over.Livingstone, at the other end, was struggling to get away before finally walloping Rashid Khan over deep square leg. Livingstone was dropped twice, and also survived a missed stumping, and made the best of his luck. Jitesh and Krunal Pandya fell in quick succession to R Sai Kishore, who picked up 2 for 22 in his four overs, which included breaking a flourishing 52-run stand between Jitesh and Livingstone in the 13th over. He tossed one up at Jitesh, who ended up skying it to long-on.Two overs later, Sai Kishore got Krunal when the ball seemed to hold on the pitch, and a leading edge went right back to the bowler. It was after that that Livingstone took over for RCB. He broke the shackles with a huge six over deep midwicket against Rashid, while David also hit a six and a four. Despite that, RCB were struggling on 129 for 6 after 17 overs. But Livingstone pumped Rashid for three sixes in the 18th to reach his fifty off 39 balls. In all, he smashed Rashid for 39 runs off 17 deliveries, with five sixes.RCB tonked 64 runs in the last five overs, thanks largely to David’s hitting, as he thumped 32 off 18 balls. But 169 at the innings break looked under-par.1:30

Bangar: ‘JItesh has shown great improvement’

Buttler does it againButtler came into this IPL under pressure. He had just quit the England white-ball captaincy after a disastrous Champions Trophy, and he had not been among the runs either. He was going to a new IPL team after flourishing with Rajasthan Royals, and was going to bat at No. 3, having mostly opened previously.But in just three innings, Buttler has proved that nothing has changed. He was coming into the game with scores of 70*, 8, 106*, 0, 0 and 100* against RCB since IPL 2022. On Wednesday, he shored up his record further.Buttler came in to bat with GT struggling a touch. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar were making the ball talk, and not giving much away. Gill struck Bhuvneshwar over long-on but fell the next ball, caught at deep third. At that stage, GT were 32 for 1 after 4.4 overs.Buttler took his time to settle. At one point, he was on 5 off 8 balls, but he targeted Rasikh Salam, and just like that got into his stride. Buttler struck Rasikh for 27 off just 12 balls, and everything fell into place.Sudharsan, at the other end, was at his fluent best as he scored 49 off 36 balls, and put on 75 with Buttler. Once Sudharsan fell, Buttler went up another gear and raced to his half-century off 31 balls. Rutherford, who came in at No. 4, also got going quickly as GT raced towards their target.Their quick partnership helped GT improve their net run rate with a thumping win. RCB’s loss, meanwhile, pushed them to third place behind Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.

Injured Chelsea star Cole Palmer was spotted attending a UEFA Youth League game between the Blues and Benfica as the England international almost encroached onto the pitch. Earlier this month, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca had revealed that he told Palmer to sit out all of Chelsea's fixtures before the international break due to his ongoing injury concerns.

Palmer's injury woes continues

Palmer had to be taken off after just 20 minutes during Chelsea's 2-1 defeat against Manchester United earlier this month. Later, it was revealed that the England international had suffered a recurrence of a persistent groin injury. He had also missed clashes against West Ham and Fulham due to the same issue before the international break.   

AdvertisementGetty Images SportInjured Palmer visited Chelsea youth team's clash

Despite being sidelined with an injury, Palmer made sure to back the Chelsea U19 side, who clashed against Benfica in a UEFA Youth League match on Tuesday. He was spotted standing near the corner, almost encroaching onto the pitch.  

Mourinho glad Palmer will miss Blues reunion

Chelsea's senior side are also set to clash with Benfica in a Champions League fixture on Wednesday. New Benfica boss Jose Mourinho is preparing for a homecoming and ahead of the game, the Portuguese manager expressed his delight that the Blues will miss the service of Palmer.   

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AFPChelsea to miss key players for Benfica

In addition to Palmer, Chelsea will also miss the services of key players like Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo, and Andrey Santos, as all three players picked up knocks against Brighton last weekend.   

MatériaMais Notícias

Em busca de mais reforços para o restante da temporada, o Athlético-PR fechou um contrato com o meia Bruno Zapelli, que jogava pelo Belgrano desde 2020. O jogador ítalo-argentino se tornou uma contratação histórica por ter sido a segunda mais cara na história do clube paranaense.

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Zapelli iniciou nas categorias de base do Belgrano até subir para o profissional. O atleta de 21 anos ganhou destaque no ano passado com o título da segunda divisão do Campeonato Argentino. Jogou 93 partidas pelo time e já veste a camisa 10.

Na atual temporada, o meia disputou 23 jogos onde marcou um gol e três assistências. Também já defendeu as seleções da Argentina e da Itália pelas divisões de base.

Bruno Zapelli vai assinar contrato válido por cinco anos, e foi comprado pelo Athlético-PR por 4,5 milhões de dólares (R$ 21,6 milhões). A negociação do atleta fica apenas atrás da contratação de Vitor Roque, que custou R$ 24 milhões, que vinha do Cruzeiro, no ano passado.

Liverpool have signed world class players under Fenway Sports Group, led by John W. Henry.

FSG have been divisive owners among the Reds’ fanbase at times, but it is impossible to deny that they have overseen a great era of success at Anfield. While sometimes fairly accused of being too frugal, they have developed Anfield and the club’s training ground, while a refresh of the academy facility is expected to cost the investment group up to £20m in the coming years.

In the 2025 summer window, with the help of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, they broke Liverpool and British football’s transfer record twice, splashing out over £400m on new signings while keeping the right side of PSR thanks to clever sales like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz will become mainstays for the Reds for years, but they both have work to do to crack a storied list of great Liverpool signings under FSG.

10 Alexis Mac Allister

Alexis Mac Allister could easily end up higher on this list, depending on how long he stays at Liverpool for. He has been a wonderful addition since arriving from Brighton, and the fact that he cost just £35m makes him an unbelievable bargain.

The Argentine is a complete midfielder, combining technical brilliance, hard work and leadership, and at 26, there is still a lot more to come from him. He is a manager’s dream.

9 Jordan Henderson

Gini Wijnaldum can think himself unlucky to miss out, having been such a great signing from Newcastle United, but Jordan Henderson gets in over him on sheer longevity.

After a horrible start to life at Liverpool, Henderson grew into a fantastic leader and an underrated all-round footballer, spending 12 years at Anfield and captaining the Reds to Champions League and Premier League glory.

He split opinion down the years, but his critics only got quieter the more he matured as a player, and he played a huge part in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp.

8 Fabinho

Liverpool were crying out for an elite No.6 to take them to the next level in 2018, and Fabinho proved to be the perfect addition in front of the defence.

Described as a “lighthouse” because of his ability to see everything going on around him, the Brazilian was a colossal figure at his peak, putting out fires and using the ball with both subtlety and effectiveness.

In the end, £43.7m proved to be a bargain, with the Reds crowned both European and English champions within two years of Fabinho arriving.

7 Luis Suarez

Sadly, Luis Suarez’s behaviour continues to tarnish his legacy, but there is no denying that he was a genius who FSG did superbly to bring in.

Liverpool needed a new hero when Fernando Torres departed for Chelsea in 2011 and Suarez came straight in and became the Reds’ new attacking star, enjoying three-and-a-half remarkable years at Anfield.

The Uruguayan so nearly inspired Brendan Rodgers’ side to title glory in 2013/14, producing one of the great individual seasons at Liverpool, and he departed for Barcelona with a tally of 82 goals in just 133 appearances. One of the Reds’ most talented players ever.

6 Andy Robertson

In terms of bargains, Andy Robertson could be FSG’s greatest as owners of Liverpool, considering he arrived for just £8m from Hull City in 2017.

While some were unsure if the Scot was good enough at the time, he has since grown into not only one of the Reds’ best-ever left-backs, but also one of the greatest in the history of the Premier League.

Solid defensively, effective going forward and a great leader, Robertson has racked up well over 300 appearances for Liverpool, and at 31, he continues to be an excellent squad player.

5 Roberto Firmino

There have been few more popular players at Liverpool over the past 20 years than Roberto Firmino, whose influence was almost unrivalled at his peak at Anfield.

The Brazilian almost redefined the false nine role during his time as a Reds player, combining flair, selflessness and tactical intelligence to perfection, proving to be the perfect foil for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Without Firmino, Liverpool would never have achieved the success they did with Klopp in charge – it’s fair to say he comfortably exceeded expectation levels when he joined from Hoffenheim. It was a transfer masterstroke by FSG.

4 Sadio Mane

It can almost be forgotten just how good Sadio Mane was for Liverpool, due to Salah often taking the limelight and the Senegalese sensation leaving in 2022.

Mane was an astonishing addition for the Reds, though, transforming the attack with his pace and end product from the moment he joined from Southampton in 2016, scoring a stunning solo effort away to Arsenal on his debut.

The Liverpool legend was arguably his side’s best player in the Premier League-winning 2019/20 season, which speaks volumes about his ability, and he finished his time at Anfield with 120 goals and 38 assists in 269 appearances.

3 Alisson

It is impossible to downplay the significance of Liverpool snapping up Alisson from Roma in the summer of 2018, at a time when Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius were floundering.

The Brazilian has been a colossal signing over the past seven years, consistently cementing his status as the world’s best goalkeeper and bailing out the Reds so many times. His greatest skill is making everything look effortless, when in fact, the job he is doing is a tough one.

Alisson is a once-in-a-generation ‘keeper, and by the time he hangs up his boots, he could be considered one of the best in history in his position.

2 Mohamed Salah

Remember when Salah was deemed to be a ‘one-season wonder’ and a ‘Chelsea reject’?

When the Egyptian King joined Liverpool in 2017, nobody could have predicted what would happen in the eight years that followed, with the 33-year-old now arguably one of the Reds’ three best players in history alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard.

Salah has been nothing short of astonishing for the Reds, breaking too many records to mention and now sitting third in the club’s all-time scoring charts.

His consistency, dedication and winning mentality make him a true modern great of the game, and £36.9m was quite the piece of business by FSG.

1 Virgil van Dijk

Some may understandably have Salah as their No.1, but Virgil van Dijk’s influence is unmatched. When he arrived from Southampton £75m in January 2018, some laughed at the price tag, but he has been worth at least double that amount ever since.

The Dutchman is now making a strong claim to be one of the greatest centre-backs to ever play the game, with the 34-year-old so perfect in all facets of his game that he could have been created in a laboratory.

Strong, fast, an expert reader of the game, a great captain and a gifted technician, it will take a long time before we see another central defender at Van Dijk’s level. Becoming Liverpool captain has only added to his aura, and replacing him when he eventually retires or departs will be FSG’s greatest challenge yet.

10. Alexis Mac Allister

£35m

Brighton

9. Jordan Henderson

£20m

Sunderland

8. Fabinho

£43.7m

Monaco

7. Luis Suarez

£22.7m

Ajax

6. Andy Robertson

£8m

Hull City

5. Roberto Firmino

£29m

Hoffenheim

4. Sadio Mane

£34m

Southampton

3. Alisson

£67m

Roma

2. Mohamed Salah

£36.9m

Roma

1. Virgil van Dijk

£75m

Southampton

تقدم فريق بيراميدز بالهدف الأول أمام منافسه التأمين الإثيوبي، في المباراة التي تجمع بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات دوري ابطال إفريقيا.

وتقام المباراة بين بيراميدز ومنافسه التأمين الإثيوبي، مساء اليوم الأحد، على استاد الدفاع الجوي، في إطار ذهاب دور الـ32 من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

طالع | القناة الناقلة لمباراة بيراميدز والتأمين الإثيوبي اليوم في دوري أبطال إفريقيا

ويسعى بيراميدز لمواصلة انطلاقته القوية وتحقيق بداية مثالية في مشواره الإفريقي، والتأهل إلى دور المجموعات من دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وجاء هدف بيراميدز الأول بعد ضغط من بيراميدز وخطأ دفاعي من التأمين الإثيوبي وتنتهي بتمريرة عرضية من الكرتي داخل منطقة الجزاء ويقابلها فيستون ماييلي بتسديدة تتحول في المرمى بالدقيقة 12. هدف بيراميدز الأول أمام التأمين الإثيوبي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا